A phylogenetic analysis of the population dynamics of a captive colony of Diploptera punctata.
Presenter Type
UNO Undergraduate Student
Major/Field of Study
Biology
Other
biology
Advisor Information
Assistant Professor of Biology Department of Biology | 109B Allwine Hall
Location
CEC RM #201/205/209
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
22-3-2024 1:00 PM
End Date
22-3-2024 2:15 PM
Abstract
Diploptera punctata is a blaberid cockroach known for being the only viviparous cockroach and produce milk for it’s young. Variations in this trait among various wild populations are unknown. Captive populations of the species exist, though their population genetics have not been analyzed in-depth. Accounting for genetic variation in any trait (at the population level especially) is an important factor when using a model organism in research. The founder’s effect due to only a few individuals used to start captive colonies can result in less diverse captive populations. Additionally, smaller captive populations may have lower genetic variation due to fixation or loss caused by genetic drift.
We explored the population genetics of captive Diploptera punctata, via the amplification and sequencing of the CO1 gene from 20 individuals in the laboratory colony sourced from three different colonies in the past. This gene has a relatively high mutation rate, making it useful for analyzing the phylogeny between closely related individuals. We anticipate 1) no distinct sub-populations within the colony, or 2) recapturing three distinct sub-populations within the maintained laboratory colony. We are awaiting sequence data and subsequent analysis.
A phylogenetic analysis of the population dynamics of a captive colony of Diploptera punctata.
CEC RM #201/205/209
Diploptera punctata is a blaberid cockroach known for being the only viviparous cockroach and produce milk for it’s young. Variations in this trait among various wild populations are unknown. Captive populations of the species exist, though their population genetics have not been analyzed in-depth. Accounting for genetic variation in any trait (at the population level especially) is an important factor when using a model organism in research. The founder’s effect due to only a few individuals used to start captive colonies can result in less diverse captive populations. Additionally, smaller captive populations may have lower genetic variation due to fixation or loss caused by genetic drift.
We explored the population genetics of captive Diploptera punctata, via the amplification and sequencing of the CO1 gene from 20 individuals in the laboratory colony sourced from three different colonies in the past. This gene has a relatively high mutation rate, making it useful for analyzing the phylogeny between closely related individuals. We anticipate 1) no distinct sub-populations within the colony, or 2) recapturing three distinct sub-populations within the maintained laboratory colony. We are awaiting sequence data and subsequent analysis.